Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Illusion Heavenly Lake was located on the west side of the Tian Xuan Land. It would be a long distance trip even by departing from the Xuan Yuan Mound. Qin Wushuang had estimated that it would take almost a year or longer when heading to the Illusion Heavenly Lake.
Therefore, Qin Wushuang must make the necessary preparations. First, he notified Black Panther and Ying Long who were at the far away Judge Mountain Prefecture and Orderly Mountain Prefecture.
These two beasts were the eyes he had set up at these two places. If the sects from the Xuan Yuan Mound were to show any sign of disturbance or plans to invade the human countries, they would notify the intelligence section promptly.
Qin Wushuang had arranged eyes to be there for they could notify the sects and family clans at the human countries to hide at the Endless Eastern Sea if being invaded once again.
The Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates were among the ranks of those invited to the Karakorum Immortal Clan. Each sect had received the same treatment: they would each get six spots, no more and no less.
Even the Heavenly Emperor Gate Xin Clan was no exception. As for the Heavenly Punishing Villa and the Sound of Thunder Sect, they were classified to have medium strength among the Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates. They did not possess superior strength nor were they to be considered the weakest.
It was because this mission involved the totem clan. Therefore, before departure, the Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates had summoned everyone to gather before the Heavenly Emperor Gate.
Although the Heavenly Emperor of the Xin Clan wanted to attend the pageant, from a general outlook it would be an inconvenience for the Heavenly Emperor to move out.
The Heavenly Emperor could not leave his position but must remain at the Heavenly Emperor Mountain to oversee the general situation.
The number two figure of the Xin Clan, also the younger brother to the Heavenly Emperor Mountain,Xin Tianchen, was acting as the leader for the Heavenly Emperor Gate.
As for the five young disciples, of course, the son of the Heavenly Emperor, Xin Wuji, would act as their leader.
It was clear that Qin Wushuang had valued the Heavenly Emperor Gate more than the Sound of Thunder Sect and the Heavenly Punishing Villa. Qin Wushuang was a smart person. He already had a thorough understanding of the situation upon having present in the Heavenly Emperor Mountain for more than a year. He knew that nominally, the Qin Clan was fighting for life and death with the Sound of Thunder Sect and the Heavenly Punishing Villa. However, the comprehensive strength of those two houses was enough to destroy the Qin Clan.
Since they did not possess the necessary strength, then why would these two powerhouses dare to fight against the Qin Clan so publicly? Without a doubt, someone must be supporting these two powerhouses from behind.
Although no one had exposed the truth behind this curious situation, each of them were well aware of the conflicts passed down historically between the Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates.
Most likely, the hidden supporter would be the current Heavenly Emperor Gate, the Xin Clan!
Xin Tianwen, the Heavenly Emperor still sat on his high and towering emperor seat. He ran his eyes over the entire scene by looking disdainfully from the corner of his eyes. “Great, it’s clear that each of you have dispatched your most elite warriors. I feel extremely gratified that you have valued this pageant.”
Everyone knew that the Heavenly Emperor must not be speaking just these words for they were not in a rush to move from their current position.
Indeed, after the Heavenly Emperor Mountain had stopped for a moment, he said again, “This is a far-flung journey and is of great importance. I must give you guys three laws to obey!”
Three laws? The heart and mind of everyone was loud and clear for they knew that the Heavenly Emperor was going to put an end to any unexpected accidents.
“First, regardless of any conflicts or gratitude you have within the Heavenly Emperor Mountain, when you depart from this place and journey towards the Karakorum Immortal Clan, you must put down these grudges. During the journey, you must not become involved with anyone’s resentment and seek to carry out a vendetta against anyone.”
The intention of the first law was clear and precise. They were not to host internal strife. Even if they were in an absolutely irreconcilable situation, they must put away all of it on the road.
“Second, each sect can only send six people. You are not allowed to bring family members, friends, or contracted spiritual beast. Of course, sealed spiritual beasts are not part of this rule.”
Inwardly, Qin Wushuang was touched. With this restriction from the Heavenly Emperor, it would be impossible if Bao Bao and Lone wanted to come along. Xu’Er could not come along either.
Since this Heavenly Emperor was the ruler of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain, no matter how Qin Wushuang felt. As he spoke these authoritative words from his mouth, he could do nothing but feel his bad luck.
“Third, each sect will depart together. You must not move by yourself. After you have attended the pageant, you are allowed to depart separately and your movements will not be restricted.”
Without a doubt, these three laws were intended to deliver the same meaning. They must guarantee their safety and peace before attending the Ten Thousand Year Pilgrimage. As for the aftermath, it would not matter.
After Qin Wushuang had heard the first rule, he noticed the expressionless face of the Heavenly Emperor, and for some reason he felt somewhat odd at heart.
After the Heavenly Emperor had issued the three laws, he swept across the entire crowd with a fragile smile and said lightly, “For these three rules, do you have any objections?”
Since he had already spoken up to this point, others could not voice their opinion even if they wanted to.
Qin Wushuang smiled to himself. Suddenly, he sensed a look that lingered on him. Following this look, he realized that it had come from the Yun Clan.
Qin Wushuang had been paying attention to the Heavenly Emperor Clan a moment ago. When he saw the person who had fixed their gaze on him, he could not refrain from feeling astounded.
The person staring at him carried a somewhat faint smile on the corner of his mouth- it was Yun Xuechen!
Only Yun Xuechen was dressed completely different from the last time which had shown the demeanor of a transcendent being. He was dressed much more formally and dignified this time. Qin Wushuang felt surprised, yet he did not bat an eye.
It was because he could see that from his eyes, Senior Yun Xuechen was clearly hinting to him to not let him make it public. Qin Wushuang was not an idiot. He knew that it would definitely raise suspicion if he were to identify Senior Yun Xuechen under this situation.
Per the sensitivity of the Heavenly Emperor Gate, most likely they would misunderstand that there was some secret agreement between the Yun and Qin Clan that would work to the disadvantage of the Heavenly Emperor Gate.
Apparently, the Heavenly Punishing Villa and the Sound of Thunder Sect intended to win favor as they laughed and agreed eagerly, “Your majesty, the Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates will obey your orders. Of course, there will be no objections. Besides, the agreements you’ve put forth are for the benefit of everyone.”
The Heavenly Emperor laughed. “Although I hold the position as the Heavenly Emperor and ruler of the Xuan Yuan Mound training world and the secular world, in the end, I am working for the Xuan Yuan totem clan. This is the intention of the Xuan Yuan totem clan. After all, the Karakorum Immortal Clan is part of the totem clan and we cannot disgrace the Xuan Yuan Clan.”
When he mentioned the totem clan, the more everyone agreed with what he was saying.
“People of the Xuan Yuan totem clan have already left. The Heavenly Emperor Eight Gates will depart in three days. There will be no delay.”
To the Qin Clan, the agreement of these three laws seemed to be advantageous. At least, the Qin Clan would not worry about the Heavenly Punishing Villa and the Sound of Thunder Sect playing any tricks.
With that said, the more the Heavenly Emperor acted this way, the more people of the Qin Clan felt somewhat inappropriate. Considering how the three laws did not put any restriction on the return trip, it also meant that after attending the Ten Thousand Year Pilgrimage, anyone could get into mischief if they so desired.
After some careful analysis, in fact it was an encouragement to personal dispute.
With the second law, it’s evident that Mu Rong Xu could not come along. Bao Bao and Lone, the two spiritual beasts who had always accompanied him, could also not accompany him.
Qin Wushuang went to the guest house and found Bao Bao and Mu Rong Xu. He explained the situation. Upon having heard his words, Mu Rong Xu felt slightly disappointed inside, yet she understood the general situation and started to comfort Qin Wushuang, “Brother Qin, don’t worry, I am not bothered by this rule. Go to the Illusion Heavenly Lake, I will wait for your return at the guest house.”
Bao Bao on the other hand was somewhat depressed. “Boss, we cannot go? This is truly frustrating.”
Qin Wushuang laughed. “It’s good that you cannot go. You and Lone will train near the guest house during this time and also take care of Xu’Er along the way.”
Upon hearing the words of Qin Wushuang, Bao Bao turned from worried to joyous as he laughed. “Boss, rest assured, we will protect big sister Mu Rong for sure.”
Little Bamboo chuckled as well. “Little monkey, more like you better not let my Missy protect you!”
Bao Bao said proudly, “What are you talking about? I am already at the Profound Void Martial Stage. I must strive to enter the Perfect Void Martial Stage before Boss returns, ha ha ha!”
Qin Wushuang gave a long sigh. “Bao Bao, don’t advance prematurely because of your voracious desire. Take one step at a time. You have the bloodline of the ancient spiritual monkey, don’t act with undue haste. When conditions are right, success will follow naturally.”
Bao Bao said with a tone as if he had planned his response in advance, “Boss, rest assured. But you must remember to come back soon. Don’t let our Sister Mu Rong wait too long.”
Mu Rong Xu gave a gentle laugh and did not lash out.
On the contrary, Little Bamboo rolled her eyes at Bao Bao. She walked over and grabbed Bao Bao’s ears. “You two, come out with me.”
“What what, Little Bamboo, a nobleman will only speak and not make a move.” Bao Bao felt the pain and cried to ask for forgiveness. He followed Little Bamboo obediently to walk outside.
Suddenly, Lone felt he was somewhat an extra by standing there alone. He looked at Qin Wushuang and Mu Rong Xu, then looked at Little Bamboo shooting meaningful glances at him. Finally, he realized his awkwardness and gave a simple-minded laugh. “You know what… I am going out too.”
For the time being, only Mu Rong Xu and Qin Wushuang were left in the room.
Qin Wushuang took a step forward and held Mu Rong Xu’s tender hands. “Xu’Er, you don’t blame me, right?”
“Brother Qin? Why should I blame you?” Mu Rong Xu blinked her eyes as her beautiful eyelashes jumped.
“I could have chosen not to go.”
Mu Rong Xu extend her hands and stuck two fingers together to seal Qin Wushuang’s lip. She shook her head. “Brother Qin, I will not allow you to speak in this way. A fine-looking man should be in four directions. How can I restrict you from going out to make your way in this world?”
Qin Wushuang was greatly touched as he revealed a knowing smile and nodded. “Xu’Er, I once heard a saying: if love between two people can last for aye, why need they stay together night and day?”
Qin Wushuang had thought of this phrase of prose from a poet from his previous world on the spot. It allowed Mu Rong Xu to glitter with surprised lights in her eyes. She kept muttering these two phrases and was fascinated by it. “Brother Qin, who wrote this?, It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Qin Wushuang was stunned as he remembered that this was a phrase from Qin Guan, a poet from the Song Dynasty in his former world. It was a classic that had been passed on for all eternity.
Stunned, he revealed a somewhat strange smile. “That person also has the surname Qin, he comes from the same roots as me, ha ha ha.”
“Is he your ancestor?” Mu Rong Xu had taken it seriously.
Qin Wushuang had only made up a white lie and did not expect Mu Rong Xu to take it seriously. He could only smile bitterly, “He’s not exactly an ancestor, but he did write good poems. These two phrases are only the breast stroke that dot in the eyes.”
Mu Rong Xu’s curiosity was aroused greatly as she immediately asked for the entire poem. Qin Wushuang could only recite the original poem. Fortunately, Qin Wushuang was a master’s student in his former world. Since he was not ignorant or incompetent, he recited it with an excellent voice and expression.
When she heard the phrase, “When Autumn’s golden wind embraces dew from jades, All the love scenes on earth, however many, fade,” Mu Rong Xu’s heart was filled with tender sentiment.
